Disneyland at Christmas/Holiday Season Superthread #4

[Sherry E]

Someone has a video on YouTube of "Disneyland Very Merry Christmas Parade 1989" -- Here. Is this the same parade that you saw, TK?


I do want to remind anyone lurking out there and just now tuning in, that the theme (for the next 7+ hours) is A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks.

There is another Theme Week (or two) coming up eventually in which vintage photos will fit, so if you have any of those -- hang on to them!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Bret, those photos are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing them with us!

Thank you Janet.


I did have seen that video on YouTube and it has been a long time since I have seen it on you turn. Thanks for the link Sherry.

Can't wait for the next theme tomorrow.

 

[tksbaskets]

Very fun throwback parade photos, TK!

I think 1989 was before A Christmas Fantasy Parade actually became A Christmas Fantasy Parade! The parade you saw was the version of it (with many of the same elements, it appears) that was, I think, called "A Very Merry Christmas Parade" or something like that (unless I am confusing AVMCP with WDW?). It eventually morphed into A Christmas Fantasy Parade in the '90s.

Thanks!

Very nice picture of the classic parade TK.

I also do have some from 1985 Christmas parade.


I believe A Christmas Fantasy parade started in 1994 and will be 20 years old this year. I can't believe is has been 20 years since ACF parade has been running that long at DL during the holiday season. I believe the retro parade pictures I showed was back in 1985 and I believe it as called "The Fantasy Parade Christmas Parade" I think. WDW parade is Once Upon a Christmastime parade during MVMCP.

I loved seeing the older parade pictures!

Someone has a video on YouTube of "Disneyland Very Merry Christmas Parade 1989" -- Here. Is this the same parade that you saw, TK?


I do want to remind anyone lurking out there and just now tuning in, that the theme (for the next 7+ hours) is A Christmas Fantasy Parade and Believe in Holiday Magic Fireworks.

There is another Theme Week (or two) coming up eventually in which vintage photos will fit, so if you have any of those -- hang on to them!

I saved a few more for 'Vintage' themes. I'll have to watch the youtube and see if it stirs more memories.

Looking forward to tomorrow's new theme!

 

[kylie71]

Brett- how did you get your vintage pics online, and they are so CLEAR? Very impressive!
Thank You for sharing.

--Lori

 

[mvf-m11c]

I loved seeing the older parade pictures!

Thanks TK.

Brett- how did you get your vintage pics online, and they are so CLEAR? Very impressive!
Thank You for sharing.

--Lori

I used a scanner on my printer and have some of the photos that my parents took when I was a young child. I scan them and uploaded them. I can't believe they were able to take very nice pictures back in the 80's.

Thank you Lori.

 

[Vintage Mouseketeer]

Hi there!!!

Here are my last minute entries for this weeks theme.

We attended the Christmas Parade tapping which was a lot fun to be able to see how they pieced it all together while watching at home on Christmas Day.

What stood out to me was how they integrated pieces of Soundsational and Pixar Play in for the tapping.

 

[Sherry E]

Vintage Mouseketeer --

I'm glad you got your photos in before this theme is over! You have another entry into the random draw!

I don't think I watched the Disney/ABC special last Christmas, though I have watched it in the past. I didn't notice or realize that they integrated Soundsational and Pixar Play footage or segments into the special! Were they trying to make it look as though those parades were somehow part of A Christmas Fantasy Parade, or did they make it clear that they were different parades?

​

The new theme for the week (starting tomorrow) has been selected (though it won't be announced until tomorrow morning)!!!! Since I really only intend to post photos once, with the theme intro (because I think we will have enough other photo submissions during the week without my contributions), I am now trying to decide on the photos I will include! Sometimes that is the hardest part -- selecting my own photos! It's not that they're so great, but I am trying to cover a wide array of things in the photos I choose for the intro, because they set up the whole Theme Week and give other photo contributors an idea of what to post!

​

 

[Vintage Mouseketeer]

Vintage Mouseketeer -- I'm glad you got your photos in before this theme is over! You have another entry into the random draw! I don't think I watched the Disney/ABC special last Christmas, though I have watched it in the past. I didn't notice or realize that they integrated Soundsational and Pixar Play footage or segments into the special! Were they trying to make it look as though those parades were somehow part of A Christmas Fantasy Parade, or did they make it clear that they were different parades? The new theme for the week (starting tomorrow) has been selected (though it won't be announced until tomorrow morning)!!!! Since I really only intend to post photos once, with the theme intro (because I think we will have enough other photo submissions during the week without my contributions), I am now trying to decide on the photos I will include! Sometimes that is the hardest part -- selecting my own photos! It's not that they're so great, but I am trying to cover a wide array of things in the photos I choose for the intro, because they set up the whole Theme Week and give other photo contributors an idea of what to post!

They made it seem as the blended pieces were part of the Christmas Fantasy Parade.

Since we visit often and watch the parades it was obvious to me. The Pixar Cars ( McQueen, Mater, Red and DJ) were there, I never seen them on the Disneyland side before. Also the Toy Story portion was added in as well as Monster U. The float the princesses use for Soundsational was used for Mulan and Pocahontas, the Marry Poppins, Step In Time was included too. There may have been a few more, but that is what I can remember off the top of my head.

I would post more picture, but my iPhone is having a bit of an attitude problem. I was lucky I could get the few in I did earlier for the contest. LOL

 

[Sherry E]

It’s Monday -- and it’s time for the Theme Week Countdown!!

……(Approximately) 14 Weeks Until the
Holiday Season Begins at the Disneyland Resort!!!!
​

With each new week will come a different Disneyland Resort holiday theme!

As I have previously mentioned in this Superthread, I’ll be showcasing a particular aspect of DLR's holiday festivities each week until early November. Including today’s theme, there are many more themes to come over the next few months: 12 main weekly themes (this Countdown began with the first theme on 7/21/14, and there will be a new weekly theme every Monday from today, August 4, 2014, through October 20, 2014); 7 ‘mini-themes’ which will be featured daily from 10/27/14 – 11/2/14, and a final “Holiday Cornucopia/These Are a Few of My Favorite Things” theme on Monday, November 3, 2014 (there will be more details about what the “Cornucopia” can include when we get closer to that date!).

Those of you who have participated in previous Theme Week Countdowns may have noticed that this year’s Countdown began a couple of weeks earlier than it did last year. I kicked off the Countdown two weeks earlier than I did in 2013, and I am ending it the week before I expect the Holidays at DLR to officially commence (as of early August 4, 2014, there has been no official confirmation from Disney of the holiday season start date for this year, but it is assumed that it will be sometime during the week of Monday, November 10, 2014 – Friday, November 14, 2014). The reason for that is, once November starts and the decorations in the parks appear little by little each day, our attention shifts to learning information about and seeing photos of what is new for the current season’s celebration.

Theme Week Countdowns are a great way to keep the photos rolling in on a regular basis and build anticipation for November at the Disneyland Resort! They are also a way to display the different elements, nuances and details of the Holidays at DLR that may be totally new to some visitors…or previously unnoticed/undiscovered by others. Finally, this is an excellent way for our Theme Week Countdown participants to shine a light on their wonderful photos and attract visitors to their Trip Reports, blogs, etc.

Last week, we reveled in the pageantry of A Christmas Fantasy Parade, and gazed in awe at the spectacular Believe…In Holiday Magic Fireworks. Just prior to that, we began this Countdown by showing off our best Holiday Character photos, PhotoPass photos and Santa Claus photos.. So…what will be our third theme of 2014? Today we stroll through the land of fantasy and observe a bit of colorful merry-making around the world.

In the Spotlight this Week......

IT’S A SMALL WORLD HOLIDAY and FANTASYLAND!!!​

We all know the opening line…. “It’s a world of laughter, a world of tears…” (Some folks wish they could forget it!) For many of us, this song from Disneyland’s longstanding It’s a Small World attraction became one of our earliest introductions to Walt’s park, and has been embedded in our memory banks ever since. Ironically, something about the wide-eyed innocence of the message of unity and common bonds behind the song, as well as the Mary Blair-inspired dolls representing countries from around the globe, seems to either appeal to guests…or repel them!

It is true, It’s a Small World has become a ride that is taken for granted and often ignored during visits to the Disneyland Resort. That is, until November rolls around….when the familiar whimsical façade gets a little face lift…and becomes It’s a Small World Holiday!!!

From November to mid-January (exact dates differ each year), It’s a Small World Holiday is one of the most popular attractions of the holiday season, and after dark is truly one of the most beautiful sights to see. At dusk, guests begin to flock from all corners of Disneyland Resort to gaze in awe at the brilliant colored lights which envelop IASWH – literally, thousands and thousands and thousands of lights that collectively glow like a beacon in the night. It is, quite simply, stunning. Even the surrounding area – the “Mall” – gets a makeover. The topiaries are adorned with lights, and special wreaths symbolizing various nations (with the same sort of playful design synonymous with It’s a Small World) mark a pathway to the ride. And those are only a few of the surprises you will discover.

But it’s not only the exterior of It’s a Small World that gets the seasonal treatment. The whole ride is transformed into a celebration of worldwide holidays. The famous dolls sing “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells” (though, if you listen closely, you will notice that as you pass the “Little Mermaid” scene the lyrics change to “Jingle Shells”)….the faint scents of peppermint and pine fill the air in certain rooms…the colors are brighter and more vivid than usual...no corner is left unattended to. The details are just amazing!

If you love It’s a Small World and you love the Christmas season, you will absolutely adore It’s a Small World Holiday. The code word for today is: a. If you don’t love IASW as a rule, you might just love this particular version of the ride because of the sheer beauty of it. Either way, it is a spectacle to behold!


Fantasyland – the land in which It’s a Small World is located – is, curiously, minimally decorated in November and December. This is notable as that area of the park would seem to potentially work well (thematically) with Christmas mini-villages and fairs along the lines of what you would find in several European countries.

But if you look closely you will find a few little touches of the season here and there in Fantasyland, such as in the themed horticulture around the area, tiny wreaths and trees along the Storybook Land Canal Boat ride, and in a few of the shops. You may even find Mary Poppins dancing to her favorite Christmas songs!

For the holidays of 2013, Fantasyland received a bit of a decorative boost with the nearby “Frozen” Meet and Greet/Royal Reception, featuring Anna and Elsa from last year’s immensely popular film. An animatronic version of Olaf, the summer-loving snowman, could be seen perched atop the snow-covered chalet in which the sisters met their fans, occasionally speaking and surprising guests as they waited.

The new Princess Fantasy Faire in Fantasyland also provided a few extra Yuletide touches here and there, by way of a wreath or two, and strands of garland. It’s not much, but it’s a step in the right direction!

December 2013



The new Princess Fantasy Faire area…

It’s a Small World Holiday and surrounding area…

Inside the ride…

In the past, there has been a slight pine aroma wafting about as guests approached the tree…

When you enter this happy room inside IASWH, you might smell just a trace of peppermint in the air!

November 2013



Fantasyland – “Frozen” Meet and Greet/Royal Reception…

December 2012


The sun shines on the Matterhorn in the distance, beyond the snowy peaks of the Fantasyland side of the Winter Castle…

It’s a Small World Holiday and IASW Mall, after dark…

December 2010



It’s a Small World Holiday and IASW Mall, in the daytime…

November 2010

Listen for “Jingle SHELLS” playing when you pass Ariel in her underwater holiday habitat…

​

Please feel free to post your photos of Disneyland Resort’s It’s a Small World Holiday and Fantasyland all this week, through Sunday, August 10th, 2014, 11:59 p.m., P.S.T.

Then, stay tuned for our fourth theme on Monday, August 11th!! We have many themes coming up in future weeks, so get your photos ready!

 

[mvf-m11c]

Fantasyland

Fantasyland Faire






Can't forget about Olaf


Frozen M&G Reception

 

[mvf-m11c]

IASWH daytime

Ride Experience

At Night

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Oh one of my favorite themes! I love the lights of IASWH! Hopefully I'll get mine up later today; if not it will be tomorrow.

 

[Orbitron]

It's a Small World Holiday

​

 

[lucysmom]

Oh, my goodness! One of my favorite DLR holiday experiences! Last year, first thing in the morning, I rode it two times in a row, all by myself! Can you imagine?! Just me, immersed in all that holiday joy! Such wonderful memories! Such wonderful pictures! Thank you to everyone for posting them.

 

[kylie71]

Here are mine.. I gotta say WOW, all ready! Mine are not in the same ballpark........ but I will play....

 

[Orbitron]

Fantasyland

​

 

[Sherry E]

I see that Lori and Orbitron just posted some Fantasyland photos, and have to remind everyone else, before we get too much further (because I usually think that no one is actually paying attention to my intro posts!), that this is not only It's a Small World Holiday Theme Week -- it's also Fantasyland theme week. It's another 2-for-1 theme week! "IASWH and Fantasyland week"!

You will notice that in my second Fantasyland-specific paragraph, I gave some other examples of where décor or holiday touches/highlights can be found in that land. Use that as a hint or idea of other photos you might have for this theme!

I could have posted many, many more photos for this week's theme, but I was trying to hold some of them back so I could use them in an upcoming theme!

​

Bret, Orbitron and Lori -- Everyone has earned another entry into the random draw for sharing such wonderful photos!!!

​

Oh, my goodness! One of my favorite DLR holiday experiences! Last year, first thing in the morning, I rode it two times in a row, all by myself! Can you imagine?! Just me, immersed in all that holiday joy! Such wonderful memories! Such wonderful pictures! Thank you to everyone for posting them.

lucysmom --

Isn't it fun going on it in the morning (even without the benefit of the stunning lights)?

I've gone on IASWH by myself, and I've gone on it first thing in the morning -- but I have never gone on IASWH my myself, first thing in the morning! When I rode it solo, it was the afternoon. When I have done it early in the morning, I was with friends. I need to do a solo ride in the morning!

 

[dec2009mama]

~~~It's a Small World Holiday~~~

 

[Orbitron]

I see that Lori and Orbitron just posted some Fantasyland photos, and have to remind everyone else, before we get too much further (because I usually think that no one is actually paying attention to my intro posts!), that this is not only It's a Small World Holiday Theme Week -- it's also Fantasyland theme week. It's another 2-for-1 theme week! "IASWH and Fantasyland week"!

I, for my part, always pay attention to your intro posts. It's really a challenge to find christmassy Fantasyland pictures.

 

[DisneyJamieCA]

Here are mine!

IASWH:



















And Fantasyland: